Griggs courier., 1887-06-24
nov 70 Uonvsr,s.

aS powerful 0S IL Is 0luSlV0S an ART re-
quiring peculiar gifts for its successful
practice, and only to be acquired BY
long and intimate contact with past
masters in the craft. But while it is
beyond the possible for any but the
highly gifted few to attain the proud
position of q leader in conversation, it
is within the reach Of all to exert an
influence on their intimate circles, and,
If not destined to become brilliant talk
ers themselves, at least to foster the
developement of this fascinating art
among their associates.
We often say that other people can
not talk, when the fault is with oursel-
YES. Almost anyone can talk, and. talk
well, on some subject. The art here
lies in finding the particular bent Of
our interlocutor and directing conver-
sation in that channel. It is q COM
mon failing to assume that what in
forests oursef is of equal interest to
others. What people specially crave is
intelligent appreciation of their own
pursuits or ideas. We know of one
lady, the happy possessor of an ex-
tremely sweet sympathetic countenance,
who was pronounced by a glib, egotis-
teal talker, 1.-THE finest conversational
ist he had ever met" although she
afterwards declared in her private cir
Gle that she had actually not spoken a
word while he expatiated upon his
favorite hobby.
Another excellent rule is the avoid
ance of personal remarks; it is seldom
that conversation can deal with individ-
uals with bordering on the critical; it
is best to talk about things, events.
incidents, book, picture, the new
play, ,and subjects that will not be likely
to suggest personal criticism or unchari-
table illusions
Although an extensive fund of in
formation is. no doubt, of material
service in furnishing topics for con-
versation, yet, it by no means follows
that such equipment is an indispensa-
BILE requisite.
Profound discussions are suited to
the leisurely privacy of studious
ireside. What is needed in society is
light, vivacious commerce of ideas,
or even transient remarks, and
its secret is assuredly given
in this maxim of La Buyere: ..Bril-
liancy in conversation consists far less
in the display of wit than in the talent
of calling forth the wit of others"
Here again, as in other departments
of social art, a good natural desire
of making the most of other
peoples good points is a potent
auxiliary to success, but the hostess
tact and watchfulness must ever be on
the qui yive to prevent what is caviar
to some from becoming ashes to others
and here comes in the subtlest perhaps
of all arts, that of making
a timely diversion, of adroitly
turning the current of conversation
to new channel without offending
vanity or wounding susceptibilities.
Occasionally, and under the influences
of a superior mind, even the most SUPER
fetal talk will rise to the height of
intellectual or moral converse, but it
should not be allowed to dwell too
long on so lofty plane; the tension is
too great for ordinary occasions and
skillful management must quickly
bring conversation back to more ac-
cessible level.
In close kinship with conversation,
but lighter and more playful, is the un.
translatable causerie for which Du-
mas and his friend so pined in their
foreign exile, The causerie is not
talk, for the talk may all be on one
side. and the causerie can not exist
without reciprocity; it is not a chat, for
it supposes more sprightliness and wit
than the word chat conveys. 1t is
more familiar and intimate than con-
versation. 1t admits of more freedom;
it is the delightful converse between
the privileged few who remain at
friendly house after the company have
gone; it is SO refreshing, and SO highly
priced even by the loftiest minds that
Sainte Beuve would truly say: Cause
rie is one of the sweet things that one
would wish to prolong for ever.'
This familiar mode of conversation
is particularly dear to the french. 1t
is form of intercourse which is essen
TALLY Gallo. They do not find it
among other nations. and in prolonged
sojourns in foreign lands the yearning
after it amounts with them to positive
nostalgia. There are few among their
visitors who have failed to notice this
national trait. Scribe, the prolific IL
brettist, says: s'To talk Familiarity